YUP THATS ME IN THE BACKGROUND…

So last week, I appeared on NBC's historic show, The Tonight Show, currently called The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Right up front, I should write that is was 'just' background, but its the Tonight Show, and a dream since childhood came true. I'm telling you, the day before, when I arrived at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the day before, and took the elevator up to the clothes fitting, trying to stifle the smile on my face was a pretty difficult thing to do. Memories of fantasizing as a kid, of one day being a guest on Johnny's sofa came flooding back. When I was a kid, me and my brothers, were fantasizing to try to 'Stomp the Band' on the show, and sing as what we nicknamed ourselves "The Flat tones" since we were all flat and/or out of key when we sang.  

That said, finding out what the gig was and then spending two days helping to recreate the video of the song that was made famous in the film Pretty Woman was more fun then I can ever explain. Walking on the set, which wasn't shot at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (sorry not sure if I'm allowed to say where, so I'll skip that info). Was eye -opening, because there were the two stars of it, in outfits and wigs, Jimmy had a fake tan all over his face, and arms.  Watching the two play and have fun, laughing at the silliness was better then sitting backhand watching the show at 11:30pm. As the video showcases, we pretty much recreated the video, with lots of people cast to look pretty much like the original video. In mac you can find on youtube, a side by side view of the original and the recreation. There's also an extra 'outtake' video that also appeared on the Tonight Show which like the video, I appeared in is well worth the view. Seriously its pretty funny, mostly because of Paul Rudd's amazing likability and charm.  

Here's the link to the video: I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, even if I hadn't worked on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af6L1jBZGYA&t=97s

Until next time

Neil

SO I'M APPEARING IN A SHOW THIS WEEK… ACTING!

Happy to report, that I've been rehearsing a show for the last 6 weeks or so, and this week, on Thursday & Friday evening at 7pm, as the graphic showcases, I'll be performing in a little dramatic piece on America's history and the "Human Cargo" who were brought to America to begin their lives on our shores… and all that entails. 

As for me, I play 2, actually 3 characters in it…
the show itself is based on historical events, featuring several real people and is set in the time of Willie Lynch,  approximately 1712 or so… note, he's one of the characters I'm playing… The term lynching is now considered by many to be attributed to him… 

Here's the info: the attached graphic includes every thing I am writing here.

'Human Cargo' MAAFA 2018
Stories of Triumph over Tragedy! How far have we come? 
$10 per ticket
Thurs Feb 22 & Friday Feb 23 at  7pm
Mt Pisgah Baptist Church
212 Topkins Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11216
718-388-3900
www.mountpisgahny.comincarn@mtpisgahny.org

To get directions: 

The closest train stop is Bedford-Nostrand Avenue, in Brooklyn - G train

Go to google, or simply just type in the address in the URL: 212 Topkins Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11216
as showcased in the screen cap…  you just have to put your address on top and it will give you your options, and an estimate of how long it will take you to get there. Its usually pretty close… 

When you get out of the train, you can either walk directly to the Church we are performing in (which is about a ten minute walk), or you can catch the B38 bus towards Ridgewood Metro Av, which is right outside the train entrance, and take that to the Lafayette Av/Tompkins Ave stop, its just 3 stops on bus. Which leaves you right across the street from the place.

Any questions ask.  

Again sorry about the lateness, I understand its might be out of the way for some, its out of the way for me…

Until next time
Neil